Vets Now today hosted Scotland’s biggest canine blood collection session at the company’s Support Office in Dunfermline.
21 dogs turned out to donate, many of them negative donor breeds following a campaign for more negative blood to meet the continual supply which the charity is striving to meet.
Each donor and its owners were welcomed by a Vets Now member of staff acting as a donor buddy who accompanied them throughout the session, offering tea and biscuits with some friendly chat. The session turned out to be an enormous success with most owners staying on to meet other owners, staff and the charity’s Trustees who were present at the event and 18 units of blood were collected, which will potentially save the lives of up to 60 dogs.
Vets Now, who provide the equivalent of an A & E service for pets launched its charity, Pet Blood Bank UK (PBBuk) in 2007 when legislation changed making it possible for veterinary practices to store blood to be used for lifesaving transfusions and procedures. Similar to the human blood donation service, PBBuk visits veterinary practices all over the country where up to 20 dogs will visit to donate blood at any given session. The blood products are then used to help save the lives of thousands of dogs each year.
Unlike most companies, Vets Now allows staff at Support Office to bring their dogs to work some Vets Now dogs took part in the session!
It is hoped that the event will raise awareness of the importance of canine blood donation in Scotland and encourage owners to register their dogs, where eligible to donate in the future.
There are certain criteria dogs need to meet before they can donate.
· Donors should have a good temperament,
· be aged between one and eight years old,
· weigh more than 25 kilos
· should not have travelled abroad
· should be up-to-date on all vaccinations
· should be fit and healthy